Portland Saturday Market

On one of the few non-rainy days we have had this Spring we rode max into Portland and visited Saturday market. The main goal was to get Portland Soap Company soaps. My favorite is Lemon Grass and Richard loves the Cinnamon scrub. The kids loved riding Max and each got a huge elephant ear before we headed home. A fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning!

Glencoe High School Prom 2010

Adrienne, my oldest, went to prom on my 10th wedding anniversary, May 15th. She spent the afternoon with her girlfriends at the beauty school getting touch-ups to her hair and a mani/pedi. She looked so beautiful! She went with her boyfriend Tim and with four other friends. This year it was at the Crystal Ballroom. They had a great time and all looked fabulous!

On to Kindergarten

My youngest graduated from Preschool today. I had the pleasure to attending Joseph's end of year program. All I can say is I love, love, love that boy! Although, if that were truly all I could say, this would be a short blog entry. Each year the teachers make the kids a scrapbook of photos from the year. Joseph is very proud of his and has shown it to everyone who will sit long enough with him to look at it, I think perhaps even the dog has seen it. After all the singing and fun, there was a carnival with games and crafts and of course, riding on the ever popular trikes and scooters! At one point, while doing the cookie walk, Joseph got hit in the head by a friend who was behind him, intentionally. Apparently he was not walking fast enough or something. I did not see this happen, but he came running to me in tears. I held him as he sobbed uncontrollably. When he calmed down he told me what happened. He was not crying from pain, but was just so sad his friend would hurt him like that. My little boy is growing up, but he still came to me and let me hold him. I hate for him to be sad, but I love that there are still times when it is me and only me who can comfort him. This is what being a mother is all about! I just love the way he points directly at me at the end of this song! That's my boy! Joseph and Mrs. DeWhitt, we adore this lady!! The Four J's! Joseph H, Joseph L, Teacher Joseph & Jake At the end of the program, she asked each child what they wanted to be when they grow up. The kids have a tendency to copy each other, so there will be about 6 horse keepers out of this group! Another 5 army men, 3 vets and about 4 mom's. Yay!

The Begining of a Journey

A month ago today my life changed forever. At the time, it felt like the worst thing that has ever happened to me, and honestly, maybe it was. But with a months time, I am seeing things a little differently. As with all trials we must face, we are made stronger, though that is often difficult to see in the midst of pain and despair. I am so grateful today for the faith that I have established up until now. It is truly what has kept me grounded and alive. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. Friends may come and go, my children may wander away from me, people I love may hurt me, but my Heavenly Father is always there for me. He is truly my one constant. I can pray and I know he listens. I can cry and feel his comfort. I can go to the temple and feel his presence. I am not completely there yet, but I am learning that I am a strong person, capable of withstanding the worst life has to offer.

I have been truly blessed with a sister who is my best friend. Megan is my shining star in the darkness. I have sought her out when I have needed her. And when I have not sought her out, she has found me. Calling to make sure I am alright. Checking in on me, offering to take my kids when my mind has not been fit for mothering. From her I learn what true friendship is, she is a wonderful example of pure Christ-like love.

I have learned that true friends do not press you for details when they know something is wrong. They are there to offer a hug or kind words and honestly that has helped so much. They are there to listen when you need it, but they don't expect explanations and they aren't hurt when you can't speak to them. Others who did not appear to be friends previously have been willing to sit with me in silence and not feel uncomfortable. That is a true talent. One friend emails me several times a week with words of love and encouragement. I know I have been in the prayers of those who care for me and I have felt that power. I have learned that I have a lot of work to do in being a true friend to others.

The path I walk is dark at this time, but there are points of light all around me, keeping me steady and helping me progress. I just have to remember to open my eyes and see them.